Back splash molding



Dec. 14, 1954 E, TEFA 2,697,019

BACK SPLASH MOLDING Filed April 25, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR mm 67.5fm;

Dec. 14, 1954 E. STEFAN BACK SPLASH MOLDING 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 25, 1952 0 M a/w g gg li/l/l/ m III:T E

I N VE N TOR 'fiW/A SET/4M QM AGf/Vf' United States Patent 2,697,019 BACK SPLASH MOLDING Edwin Stefan, Chicago, 11].

Application April 25, 1952, Serial No. 284,421

6 Claims. (31. 311-103 This invention relates to improvements in back-splash mouldings for cabinets, counters, sinks, bars and the like.

In modern structural developments, the practice has developed of forming the tops of cabinets, counters, sinks, snack bars, etc., of composite type thereby obtaining varied advantages over the solid wood structures of earlier type, since it permits of the use of plastic or metal surface conditions in the formation of the tops, conditions specially valuable where the structure is accessible to the splashing of water, as in sinks, bath rooms, etc. In such composite structures, the use of plywood as a core element, is of frequent occurrence. Formica is a well known form of such top structures. Where the structure is accessible to water splashing conditions, the composite top becomes vulnerable to seepage conditions, since the splashing can carry the water on to the adjacent room wall zone and thereby reach the edge zone of the top and thus reach to the plywood content, a condition which could cause rapid deterioration in the structure through swelling of the plywood, etc.

To meet this condition it has been the practice to apply a back splash assembly above the top, such assembly being in the form of a plane member overlying the vertical wall and a member connecting the lower edge of the plane member face with such top, the connecting member being arcuate in cross section, the assembly thus providing a surface which would receive the splash and return it back to the top, thus preventing seepage from being effective at the edges of such top.

The present invention is designed as a substitute for such back splash assembly and is purposed to produce the desired result with greater efficiency, at less cost of production, and in a simplified manner.

One of the features of the present invention is the fact that it is of such form that it can be produced by extrusion methods, whether formed of plastics or metal,

the structure having a constant cross section throughout its length, permitting the use of extrusion methods in its production and thus assuring uniformity of product, lower cost of production etc. Such methods are preferred, but the invention is not limited in this respect, since the structure can be cast, or molded, or fabricated in other ways, and these are included within the invention.

Other features of the invention pertaining more particularly to the manner of its installation, may or may not limit the contact of the back-splash with the side of the room wall to the upper edge zone of the device, both types being contemplated in service. When so limited, the room wall face below such upper line of contact is free from contact with the top zone of the cabinet, thus reducing the difiiculties of installation by the fact that unevenness of the room wall surface will then not affect the proper fitting of the device to such wall due to the linear form of the contact and readily correctable. Where the structure also contacts the side wall in the plane of the top wall of the cabinet, the base section of the assembly overlies the edge of such top and thus protects such top from any water content which, through excessive splash conditions, had reached such wall and flowed downward thereover, thus preventing the water from reaching the plywood core of the cabinet top.

I Structurally, the invention generally consists of a single member or element having a particular and constant cross-section. One of its forms may have an additional member designed to anchor the upper edge to the room side wall, the added member being secured to such wall 2,697,019 Patented. Dec. 14, 1954 and being formed to embrace the upper longitudinal margin of such cross-section.

To these and other ends, therefore, the nature of which will be apparent as the invention is hereinafter described, said invention consists in the improved construction and combination of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters indicate similar parts in each of the views Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one form of the invention applied in service position.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the structure of Fig. 1 on enlarged scale.

Fig. 3 is an end view in elevation of a modified form of assembly in its applied position.

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the structure of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5'5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an additional modified form in applied position.

For purposes of illustration only, theinvention is shown as applied to the top T of a cabinet assembly, the latter being representative of any of a number of service equipments with which the invention may be employed. It may be equipment for kitchen or bathroom service, counter tops, back bar tops, snack bar tops, etc., any equipment with which, in service, the desirability of a back splash structure is apparent or a possibility. In the illustration, the cabinet body is assumed to contact the side wall W, and possibly be anchored thereto, the top T in such case being possibly fore-shortened on such instead of being integral in form, these being contem-.

plated within the invention.

structurally the back-splash structure 10 includes a base or lower zone 11 of U-shaped cross section, the open side extending laterally forward. This zone is designed to embrace the wall side edge of top T, as shown, being anchored to such edge by screws 12. Extending upwardly from the forward open zone of the upper side 11a of the U-shaped section, is a wall 13 preferably planar, the wall being inclined upwardly and rearwardly, the width of such wall being sufficient to carry the top zone of the wall rearward of a vertical plane corre sponding to the plane of the bottom 11b of the U-shaped section, and preferably into contact with wall W. The upper margin of such wall 13 is carried forwardly with a reverse bend to thereby provide a hook like cross-section 13a having the open side of the hook opening on to the forward face of the wall. A similar book like cross-section 13b is formed at the lower zone of such wall being merged into the zone which connects the wall 13 with the side 11a, the opposed hook like sections thus producing the characteristics of a frame capable of receiving and positioning a removable'insert 14 designed to overlie the forward face of Wall 13. As will be understood, the exposed face of the insert forms the actual surface on to which the liquid splash passes. Since the insert is removable, it is possible to provide an insert of any preferred type and is capable of being readily cleansed. In other words, it is possible, through the use of the insert 14, to give the splash a similar or a complementary appearance to that of the top T.

Since the structure 10 thus described is planar in the lengthwise direction, it is possible to produce the same by extrusion methods, whether the material used be plastic or metal, the structural formation being such that proper dies for-such methods can be readily fashioned and used. The insert is a separate element capable of being inserted lengthwise through the open end of struc- 4 ture 10. When constructed under extrusion methods,

the formation would be continuous and the product then cut to produce a back splash of the desired length.

The structure is applied by positioning the U-shaped section over the wall side edge of top T and is secured to the edge by screws or bolts 12. Presumably this would bring the top zone of wall 13 into contact with wall W. If the position of the cabinet did not provide such. contact, the cabinet would be moved to produce this effect.

In addition to the insert 14, the structure may be given further trimming effect by adding end members 15, these being planar plates of proper contour positioned at the open ends of the assembly, being secured by screws extending into edge zones of the ends of top T, the members 15 enclosing the space between wall 13 and wall W in addition to overlying the ends of the positioned insert.

The positioned back splash is' of such dimensions as to practically prevent the splash from reaching the top of wall 13, and is thus kept from Wall W. Should it reach the top of wall 13 and flow downward over the under face of such wall, it would be prevented from reaching top T by the upper wall 11a of the U-shaped section, and prevented from reaching the edge of the top T by the bottom wall 11b of such section, thus protecting the top T and its plywood core, if present.

The form shown in Figs. 3 to differs from that of Figs. 1 and 2 in several respects. Because of its uniformity in wall thickness, the splash element of these views is preferably formed of metal, aluminum, for instance, and capable of being produced by extrusion methods.

As with the previous form, the element, indicated at 20, has the U-shaped base section 11 with its open side forward, thus presenting walls similar to walls 11a and 1112. However, unlike the previous form, element 20 omits the rear planar wall 13 extending upward from the forward zone of wall 1101, the present form presenting the upwardly extending wall 21 as actually bulging forward, being curved in cross-section to provide a retreating rear edge zone 21a designed to underlie a shield 22 of inverted V-shape secured to wall W, as clearly indicated in Fig. 4. The face of wall 21 thus serves as the splash face, requiring no separate insert. As shown the bottom wall 11c of the base section may extend into contact with wall W, it being apparent, of course, that, if preferred, such bottom may be spaced from wall W, as in the Fig. 2 showing, by reduction of the width of walls 11a and 1117. As will be understood, the cross-section lengthwise of the splash is similar to that shown in Fig.

4, a condition which makes it possible for the element to be formed by extrusion methods, if desired.

As indicated in Fig. 6, the structure of Fig. 2 may be modified to provide for also practically anchoring the top of the splash structure to the wall W, as in the Figs. 3 to 5 form. In producing this result, the upper marginal zone of wall 13 is given a wedge shaped crosssection, as at 17, instead of the rounded cross-section of Fig. 2, the remainder of the cross-section remaining as before. To cooperate with such shaped end, an additional sheet metal member 18, shaped with a vertical wall 18a adapted to be secured to wall W, and having a downwardly inclined forward wall 18b extending from the upper margin of wall 18a, thus forming an inverted V-cross-section, is provided. The wedge shaped end 17 is positioned within such V-shaped member, the latter thus not only removably anchoring the structure to wall W, but causing member 13 to serve as a shield for the upper marginal zone of the splash structure. As with the splash structure, member 18 is planar longitudinally.

Insert 14 is shown as provided with an outwardly curved exposed face but it is to be understood that this face may simply be planar in form. Since the insert can be readily positioned and removed by endwise movement when the end members 15 are removed, it can be understood that such insert may be of any preferred form and material.

As indicated in Figs. 2 and 6, the embraced edge zone of the top T is preferably spaced from the wall W. This not only permits the positioning of the U-shaped embracing portion of element 10, but retains the latter also out of contact with wall W, thus assuring that even should the splashing water pass into contact with wall W above element and tend to gravitate downward over such wall within the space in rear of the element, it, cannot reach top T or its plywood content, thus protecting the top. Should such water flow downward over the rear face of wall 13, it would be prevented from reaching such top by the presence of wall 11a and bottom 11b, as well as the opposite wall of the U-shaped configuration, the latter thus completely protecting the top against water content from any splash action.

The end members 15 serve to close the spacing in rear wall 13, thus giving a more pleasing appearance to the assembly. The members are removably secured to the ends of the top T, as by screws, and have configurations such as to overlie the end of element 10 and the insert, as well as overlying the space, thus closing the latter to wall W. While such space is present, it is not disadvantageous since it serves to retain top T completely out of contact with wall W.

As will be understood, the dimensional characteristics of elements 10 and 20 may be varied from those disclosed. For instance, the wall thickness can be less with metal material than with plastics. The element can be produced in various sizes, especially in the width dimensions of walls 13 and 31 and thus be capable of meeting varied service conditions in which intensity of the splash conditions of the installation are involved. Angularity of walls 13 and 21 may be varied to meet the conditions of width variation, it being understood that the characteristic of having the upper edge of the element project rearward of the vertical plane of bottom 1112 would probably be maintained. Likewise, the characteristics of insert 14 may be made to meet individual installationconditions, the insert being a separate production from that of element 10. In. other words, the dimensional characteristics shown are representative rather than critical, being designed to illustrate the characteristic features of the invention and possible ways of placing it into service eifect.

While I have disclosed several forms of the invention, it is apparent that changes or modifications therein may be found desirable or essential in meeting various exigencies of service, and I desire to be understood as reserving the right to make such desired or essential changes or modifications insofar as the same may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as expressed in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A back-splash protection unit for the tops of service equipment, said unit comprising a unitary element having a cross-section presenting a lower zone of U- shaped configuration having an upper and a lower leg with the configuration opening positioned on a lateral side and open forwardly to permit mounting on an edge zone of the equipment top in zone embracing position, said element having an integral wall leading upwardly from the forward zone of the upper leg of the lower configuration, said wall extending in rearwardly inclined irection to provide the width zone of the unit, the width of the unit and the direction of inclination positioning the upper margin of the wall as rearward of a vertical plane corresponding to the rear face of the bottom of the lower U-shaped configuration to thereby establish contact engagement between such element wall upper margin and the adjacent room wall with the embraced equipment top edge spaced from such room wall a removable splash-receiving insert overlying said forward face, the forward face of such element wall having means for removabiy mounting a splash-receiving insert in overlying relation to such forward face, said element crosssection being dimensionally constant in lengthwise di- 1 sion of the unit, whereby contact of the unit with t room Wall is limited to the linear contact of the element wall upper marginal edge zone with the room wall.

2. A protection unit as in claim 1 characterized in that the mounting means for the insert is in the form of inturned fianges in spaced relation to the forward face of the inclined wall and projecting inward from the opposite marginal zones of the inclined wall to thereby permit endwise insertion of the insert to and removal from its service position.

3. A protection unit as in claim 1 characterized in that the upper marginal zone of the element wall is of rounded convex contour.

4. A protection unit as in claim 1 characterized in that the upper marginal zone of the element wall is of wedge shape section, said unit being additionally characterized in that it includes as an additional element an elongated shielding. member permanently secured to the room wall and having a face adapted to overlie the upper marginal wedge-shaped zone of the upstanding inclined wall of the element to thereby permit positioning of the protection unit in substantially anchored and shielded relation to the room wall.

5. The unit defined in claim 1 in which the zone of said U-shaped embracing formation rearward of the integral wall is provided with means for fastening the unit to the service equipment.

6. In a back-splash protection unit for the horizontal top of a service equipment, a splash-receiving insert holder comprising a one-piece body which includes a substantially U-shaped section having upper and lower sides connected at one of their side edges by a Web portion, said U-shaped section being adapted to embrace a rear edge of a top of a service equipment and having its sides adapted to overlie and underlie the top and bottom surfaces of the top at the rear edge, with the web portion transversely engaging the rear edge, an integral wall. extending from the upper side of the U-shaped section adjacent the free front edge thereof and inclined at an acute angle upwardly and rearwardly from the upper side of such section and having a free upper edge that terminates in a vertical plane which parallels the web portion and is disposed rearwardly thereof, said free upper edge being adapted to terminate in engagement with the surface of room wall against which the service equipment is positioned, said wall having a forward face and means formed on said face for removably receiving a splash-receiving insert.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,038,638 Brey Apr. 28; 1936 2,310,952 Greer Feb. 16, 1943 2,439,027 Stanitz Apr. 6, 1948 2,570,850 Pearson Oct. 9, 1951 2,572,333 Greitzer Oct. 23, 1951 2,612,423 Hennell Sept. 30, 1952 

